Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Remote Orthopedic Consultations: Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Telemedicine consultations using real-time videoconferencing has the potential to improve access and quality of care, avoid patient travels, and reduce health care costs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of an orthopedic videoconferencing service between the University Hospital of North Norway and a regional medical center in a remote community located 148 km away.

Methods

An economic evaluation based on a randomized controlled trial of 389 patients (559 consultations) referred to the hospital for an orthopedic outpatient consultation was conducted. The intervention group (199 patients) was randomized to receive video-assisted remote orthopedic consultations (302 consultations), while the control group (190 patients) rec

SUBMITTER: Buvik A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6399572 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature